The photo surfaced publicly Feb. 17, creating an online
firestorm and leading to disciplinary
action that included forbidding wrestlers on the state-champion team from competing for individual titles. The attorney for eight teens connected with the photo says there was no racial intent; rather, the dummy represented a Phillipsburg wrestler forced to wear the clothing and colors of Phillipsburg rivals Kittatinny Regional and Paulsboro, Scott Wilhelm said.

Centenary Assistant Professor of Sociology Kitsy Dixon said the photo and ensuing dialogue highlighted the need to have an on-campus discussion about diversity, stereotyping and racism. The college is known for its wrestling team, and a lot of wrestlers come from the Phillipsburg area, if not Phillipsburg High School, she said.

“It’s one of those issues that just hits close to home for us,” said Dixon, an adviser to the Centenary College NAACP chapter.

Assistant Professor Matt Mendres will interview Charles Boddy, president of the Warren/Sussex County NAACP, about the photo and reactions to it. Students will have the opportunity to comment on not only what happened in Phillipsburg but other incidents that “go unnoticed,” Dixon said.

Dixon said she’s been encouraged by Boddy’s approach to the matter. He’s worked hard to make it a moment of reflection and discussion for Warren and Sussex counties, she said. That makes it even more relevant for the college to take part, Dixon said.

“I’m hoping to talk about how we can utilize the resources that are available to us that fight against this type of injustice,” she said.

Detective David D’Amico, a bias-crime investigator with the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, is scheduled to give a presentation Wednesday to Phillipsburg High School students. The program comes at no cost to the district, according to tonight’s school board agenda.

The school board also hired the Ceceilyn Miller Institute for Leadership and Diversity in America to provide human relations, diversity awareness and leadership training. The services will cost no more than $15,000, according to the meeting agenda. The Clifton, N.J.-based institute works with students in kindergarten through 12th grades and on college campuses.

The board also approved a program titled "The Mind of the Athlete" by Dr. Jared Spencer for $8,500. Bill Spencer, Jared's father, abstained from the vote.

Superintendent George Chando said the programs that will begin this year and continue next year are designed to engage parents, students and staff and provide them an opportunity to offer their thoughts on the climate and culture of the school. The Ceceilyn Miller Institute will design programs to continue promoting school climate and culture based on the input from those groups, he said.

"The last five weeks have challenged both our high school and community," Chando said. "As an administration, we need to take this challenge as an opportunity to educate our school community and continue to foster an environment and culture of understanding at our high school."

Joan Maingrette, a Lopatcong Township resident who questioned the board about such programs at the last meeting, commended the board members who took action.

Dixon, of Centenary, said the Phillipsburg photo reminded her of an instance earlier this year in which Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity members at Arizona State University threw a Martin Luther King Jr. party complete with racist stereotypes and costumes. It’s become a common explanation this year that those involved in such incidents didn’t realize the implications.

“We do know better. It’s OK to judge, stereotype and discriminate until we get caught,” she said. “These young boys in Phillipsburg knew what they were doing is wrong.”